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Showing results for bespatter. Search instead for bespatters.
Synonyms

bespatter

American  
[bih-spat-er] / bɪˈspæt ər /

verb (used with object)

  1. to soil by spattering; splash with water, dirt, etc.

  2. to slander or libel.

    a reputation bespattered by malicious gossip.


bespatter British  
/ bɪˈspætə /

verb

  1. to splash all over, as with dirty water

  2. to defile; slander; besmirch

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bespatter

First recorded in 1635–45; be- + spatter


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Thou dost fall and break thy limbs, and bespatter thyself with mud, like a crocodile, and no one reaches out a hand to thee.

From Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Egypt by Constance N. Baikie

It is in the nature of the "little villain" to bespatter men of such devotion, patriotism, and eminent capacity as is Captain Dahlgren.

From Diary from March 4, 1861, to November 12, 1862 by Adam G. de Gurowski, Count

As Stars may without Pillories dispence, To slit some Ears for Forgeries of sense, Which Princes, Nobles, and the Fame of Men, Sought to bespatter by a worthless Pen.

From Anti-Achitophel (1682) Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden by Harold Whitmore Jones

You have sought to bespatter me in the eyes of France.

From Travels in France during the years 1814-15 Comprising a residence at Paris, during the stay of the allied armies, and at Aix, at the period of the landing of Bonaparte, in two volumes. by Sir Archibald Alison

Far be it from me, however, to bespatter his character by avowing him negligent in performing his duty in this case, whilst lauding him for his honest devotion to his masters.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 16, No. 94, August, 1865 by Various

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